The game takes place at FNB Stadium Saturday 21 2018, for the inaugural Shell Helix Ultra Cup, following concerns on the slow ticket sales for the match, at the 94 000 capacity venue in Soweto, south of Johannesburg.
On Thursday according to Sail, the commercial arm for the stadium, only 36 000 tickets were sold.
“But we’re fairly confident that the sales will improve a great deal a day before the match on Friday and on match day on Saturday morning,” Tex Riba from Sail was quoted.
Selling of tickets at stadium could also pose a security risk- something which Stadium Management is aware of.
An official from Gauteng department of sport did not want to commit herself on what could have led to slow pace of ticket sales, suffice to indicate it had to do with marketing.
Chiefs’ will unveil the Italian and former FS Stars coach Giovanni Solinas, although he won’t be on the bench due to pending work permit.
The headlines will certainly scream on Sunday should Downs’ former striker Khama Billiat score against opponents.
On the other hand Downs’ will display the much talked about Andile Jele should coach Pitso “Jingles” Mosimame decide to play him. Oh- he wouldn’t take that risk of not showing him off, would he?
The match also offers both sets of fans an opportunity to see the clubs parade other new marquee signings.
Tickets are available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers from R70 upwards. Parking tickets are available from R20.
Kick-Off 3pm.
Meanwhile, the Lions are ready to maul the visiting Jaguares at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The pair meet in the Super Rugby Quarter-finals.
For a third consecutive season‚ the Lions were the best South African Super Rugby outfit‚ but at no stage have they been convincing.
A team that lost to the Blues at home cannot be trusted‚ especially against a Jaguares who may have lost both of their league games in consecutive weeks but are ready for this fixture.
The Jaguares have been in South Africa for three weeks now and are prepared from an altitude perspective. The Lions still have a strong record at home but the Jaguares‚ who won four consecutive matches in Australasian‚ can’t be underestimated.
The Jaguares also rested their star players last week and pick their strongest side for their first ever Super Rugby playoff. Anything in this game is possible.
Kick off 15: 05
Also in the running are Sharks who face Crusaders.
If ever there is a game where the outcome is predetermined by log placings‚ this is the one.
The Sharks won half the league games (seven)‚ as compared to the Crusaders‚ who have only lost two matches all season. The Crusaders have only lost two home games against South African teams since 1996‚ even though one of them was the Sharks four years ago.
The Crusaders haven’t lost a home game in two years and the Sharks‚ who have been impressive against New Zealand teams this season (three wins from four matches) don’t have the benefit of warming up with the pre-trip to Australia before confronting the New Zealand challenge.
There’s also the significant matter of South African teams having never won a playoff in New Zealand. It’s a tough ask for the Sharks but it’s the price they have to pay for being inconsistent.
Kick-off 09.35 on Saturday.
